I have driven many places and logged a ton of miles dating back to becoming a legal driver in the summer of 1994.  When I go on vacation, more times than not, I want to rent a car and traverse the lands to see things off the beaten path versus the standard tourist stops.  I’ve driven cross country twice (Alaska to Pennsylvania and Florida to California).  In the summer of 2021, I logged more than 2,000 miles in five days bouncing between Colorado and some of its neighboring states.  I’ve driven in Canada, I’ve driven in the United States…but until recently, I’d never driven off continent.  That all changed as part of a hybrid work/vacation trip I took to Germany!

What do you think when you think about driving in Germany?  My first thought was…Autobahn!  I also wondered about reading road signs, the types of cars I’d see, license plates, how did the roads and drivers measure up compared to the states, and even what the radio offerings might be like.  For this week’s All About Cars, I’d like to share a little bit about my adventure in Deutschland!

I landed in Hamburg on Friday morning, November 11 and knew I had at least an 8 ½ hour/500 mile or so drive in front of me to get to Munich.  The rental car company gave me a brand-new VW Golf diesel.  I have never driven a VW before, but it was an automatic (I can drive a stick) and was going to get me a lot of miles to the gallon (or kilometers to the liter in this case), so I was happy with my get.  I did spend a solid 30 minutes messing with settings, as the default language in the car was German, and my default language….is not.  Once I did that (and burnt my finger on the very hot and very active cigarette lighter), I plugged in my phone for GPS purposes and I was off.  The first sign I saw read Ausfahrt.  Now, I learned after a while that this meant exit, but early on the sounds of that word made me laugh a little.   

The highway wasn’t far from the airport and I spent equal parts time looking at the buildings, eying up the passing cars, and trying to best understand all the signs so as to avoid a speeding ticket.  By the way, I am not sure I’ll be avoiding a speeding ticket (more on that later).  Another word I heard a lot was Straße (stra-za), or street.  Almost everything had the word Straße in it.  Again, much like Ausfahrt, once you know, it makes a lot more sense.

My first foray onto a European highway saw many similarities to driving in the states.  I know not every European country is this way, but Germany and Austria, the two countries I visited, were left side of the car, right side of the road driving, so that was helpful.  Beyond that, the signage is similar, yet very different.  If a sign needed to be blacked out due to construction or a closure, a DOT type would just put a large X over it in what looked like tape.  Speed limit signs were circular and white, with red trim.  Posted limits ranged from around 40 (24.8 MPH) to 130 (80.7) kilometers per hour.  There was also the magical circle with no number and a line through it.  That, I quickly learned, meant no speed limit and yes, it’s true…there are long chunks of road with no speed limit. 

In case you’re wondering, during daylight hours, I did open up the Golf on a straight stretch and hit 137 MPH.  Oddly, or not…I still wasn’t the fastest car on the road.  Going that fast for any period of time was not of interest to me, so I scaled back to a more reasonable 107 and hit cruise.  The car was smart enough to scale me back and accelerate for me depending on what zone I was in too.  I also couldn’t help but smile when driving through some of the towns with neighborhood type streets.  Some speed signs had a digital addition where you’d get a green smiley face if you were speed compliant and a red frowny face if you weren’t.  The visual affirmation of compliance or shame of failure was well executed.

Cars wise, I mentioned my VW and yes, there were many VW’s on the road.  I also saw a few offerings from Ford, including very American looking Rangers and Mustangs, but also saw some Euro builds including a Focus wagon and a Galaxy (not Galaxie).  Additionally, I spotted the following:  Fiat, Porsche, the Dacia Duster, Audi, Mini, BMW, Opel, and even a few Tesla’s.  There were also four-wheelers and tractors on the road, but that’s only fair because one time I drove my car on a bike path.  Oops!  What I did not see where large SUVs, cross overs, lifted trucks, vans, Jeeps, most other forms of muscle car, or anything that we might construe as gawdy vehicles.  Every tractor trailer I saw was flat nosed and none seemed to exceed what we view as a two-trailer load.

I was also smartened up to how to read a European license plate.  I’m sure you’ve seen them before, but here’s what you’re actually looking at. 


Once I knew the bottom left was the country, I played my own version of the license plate game.  As I played that game, I caught what appeared to be some kind of in country satellite radio and listened to German DJ’s play many of my American rock favorites.  Also…Rammstein. 

Finally, the roads themselves…oh so smooth.  I am sure potholes exist, but I didn’t see or hit any.  Driving felt like a group effort, like everyone around me was on the same team vs. in the states where people weave in and out of traffic, just to get one car ahead and park at the same red light.  The left lane of the highway was definitely for those going fast.  Unless you’re the pace setter, don’t cruise in the left lane.  A fast mover can come in hot behind you and their speed vs. your reaction time isn’t a math problem you want to solve.  They’ll flash their lights, but it’s best to not be in the way.  The right lane seemed to be for the slower drivers and the middle of the road was for drivers like me; you want to go fast, but not that fast…but faster than those people in the right lane.  I also saw first-hand something I’ve long believed; that 100% of car vs. train accidents happen on the train tracks.  Look, if tracks are where you are driving, let the train go by first.  You won’t win.  Finally, construction zones are tight when trying to pass a car, let alone a big rig.  I almost got smushed.  I mean, when I say tight, I mean no room for error tight.  If you can wait it out, do that.

In all, Germany and Austria were amazing!  Not only was it scenic, but the areas I experienced were clean, friendly, and fun.  I may have fallen victim to an automatic speed camera or two near Hamburg on my way back, but the Polizei (police) and the rental car folks tell me I should be ok since I’m from out of country.  We shall see.  Either way, I’d love to go back and who knows, maybe next year I will.

If imports are your cup of tea, you can either head to Europe like I did, or make plans for the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.  This two-day event happens each year in May and brings together some of the coolest and hottest rides from around the world.  You’ll see things that you’ve never seen before, and not just one of them either.  Visit CarlisleEvents.com to learn more about the show and how you can be part of it!   

Corvettes at Carlisle 2023 may not be happening until August 24-26, but plans are underway for the biggest and best all-Corvette themed car show of its type.  For three days in central Pennsylvania thousands of guests and decades of Corvette history converge on Carlisle and just announced, some of the key features that will turn heads and keep guests snapping photo after photo while on-site.

2023 isn’t just the next year up on the calendar rotation, it’s also a milestone that supports two of the event’s special displays; 50 years of 1973 Corvettes and 100 Years of Le Mans.  There are two other great displays planned too; the 15^th Anniversary of the Will Cooksey Z06 and the always popular Corvette American Flag.

Let’s start with the Corvette Flag.  For the first time since 2018, dozens of red, white, blue, and even silver (for the flag pole) come together to showcase American’s sportscar and THE symbol of America itself.  The flag build is happening on Saturday, August 25 and will happen on the east side of the grounds from mid-morning through mid-afternoon.  Interested participants must be registered for the Fun Field and once confirmed, can apply for the flag display by way of the application portal within the flag activity listing on the Corvettes at Carlisle web page.  After all Corvettes are in place, photo ops will be available for car owners and guests alike. 

Another great display will be anchored by an equally great man.  In 2008, Corvette Plant Manager Wil Cooksey was honored by Chevrolet with the release of the Wil Cooksey Edition Z06.  The car was only available in Crystal Red Tintcoat with an optional 3LZ Titanium two-tone leather wrapped interior.  Each of the rides were personally autographed by Mr. Cooksey.  Fast forward to August of 2023 and we’ll honor the man and his namesake Corvette.  It’s super easy to be part of the display too, as “Wil Cooksey Corvette” is now an available club option.  Best of all, registrants who pick that option by July 10 will part specially in the reunion area with like branded Corvettes and get a special gift too. 

Now, the two round number displays that are sure to draw attention throughout the event’s run bring some of the coolest C3s to Carlisle as well as some of the premier Corvettes to have ever turned a lap on the famed French racetrack.  The 50 year/1973 gathering puts dozens of ‘73s under a tent in the middle of the Fun Field, while spotlighting what turned out to be the first real re-design of the C3 since its debut in 1968.  Much like the Cooksey display this gathering has its own club (50^th Anniversary Registry).  The application process is ongoing and is fully vetted by enthusiast and long-time friend of Carlisle Events, Joe Clemente. 

Finally, Corvettes at Carlisle gave loads of attention to race prepared Corvettes in 2022 as part of Chip’s Choice.  That display and theme were so popular, that it’s back with a twist.  For 2023, Chip’s Choice focuses on 100 Years of Le Mans.  Many great automakers have placed cars in the Le Mans competition field over the years, but none have gained more press than the Corvette.  Dating back to its initial class winning Corvette in 1960 through its modern-day success, the Corvette Racing Team has entered cars that can now be considered historic and iconic.  Some of those rides are coming to Carlisle, include the aforementioned #3 Cunningham Corvette, a 1994 Callaway LM #001, a 2001 Callaway C12R, and more. 

Gates open at 7 a.m. each day and kids 12 and under are admitted FREE.  Complete details about the 2023 Corvettes at Carlisle car show, including information on how to become a vendor within the automotive flea market, register for the Fun Field, apply for display consideration, or simply purchase discounted spectator admission tickets can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

All About Cars is a platform for us to share automotive-related content with you and this time, we’re turning the spotlight on a first-hand experience that you can also enjoy!  My name is Rebecca Spahr and during my more than twenty-year career with Carlisle Events, I’ve seen and experienced some pretty cool automotive sights and sounds.  I’ve even been hands-on with some of the coolest rides to ever be produced.  Recently, I had my coolest experience yet; driving an early 1900s-era Model T Ford at the nearby AACA Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The displays at the AACA Museum are a walk-through time. It begins with an interactive garage with functioning equipment and moves on to huge display rooms with beautiful wall murals that bring the museum to life and create the perfect atmosphere for the featured vehicles.  It’s not often that one gets the opportunity to get up close with historic vehicles, but there you can. I was honored with the opportunity to sit in one of Betty White’s cars, “the Peacock.” There is an entire room with hands-on exhibits about the Tucker, easily identified by its centered third headlight.  The Museum also showcases displays of many diecast models, buses, a functioning model train room, and so much more.  There are more “celebrity rides” than just Ms. White’s too.  The bus display includes one famously used in Forrest Gump, one from Speed, and another from A League of Their Own.

For all the times I’ve gone to the museum, I never knew you could do more than just look at their cars.  In fact, it was during a trip there in February that I was invited to be part of their Model T driving school.  When I got there on an early October afternoon, I was amazed from start to finish at the experience.

The experience began in a classroom setting with an engine on display and a display board with photos and explanations of the curious 3-pedal function and hand levers. We were firmly warned that when turning to only move the wheel slightly or we ran the risk of “turning turtle” (flipping over).

The Museum has five different Model T body styles, however, three of them were under repair on the day of my visit. A group of lively volunteers was very welcoming and happy to answer my questions about their work and how things function on these cars of yester-century. I was impressed that they can keep 100+-year-old vehicles in running condition!

I chose to drive the 1913 red C Cab first, named for the shape of the box body. With my volunteer Jim behind the wheel, he moved the spark lever the whole way up, the accelerator lever just slightly down, and after I pushed the start button, the engine roared to life. At this point, the spark lever is lowered until the sound of the engine smooths out. To begin the movement, the floor lever is moved to neutral and when the reverse pedal is pressed the car gently moves backward. When we were out of the parking space, he released the reverse pedal, pressed the clutch pedal, and moved the floor lever into the low position. As soon as he lowered the accelerator lever we were off! During our voyage around the AACA Museum property, I couldn’t help but smile and wonder what it would have been like to drive this vehicle with my ancestors. Would we be headed to visit family, have a picnic or gather supplies?

My turn at the wheel came after Jim completed the loop. I was giddy with excitement and couldn’t remove the smile from my face as I moved levers, pressed pedals, and very gently turned the steering wheel. Bumping through a field, with the roar of the engine in my ears and the wind blowing through my hair, I was transported to a bygone era.  I was at the wheel of a 102-year-old masterpiece – a Ford Model T. It wasn’t the first of the horseless carriages but it was the first automobile born of assembly line production which made it more accessible to middle-class Americans.

Several loops later, I switched to the 1920 Model T which didn’t have a roof like the C Cab. I learned that this car was personally owned by Jim years ago and he donated it to the museum for this program. I felt so incredibly privileged to be driving his vehicle. I bombarded him with questions and he was patient and kind in providing all the answers. He even offered some stories, which were very entertaining.

The AACA Museum volunteers were so accommodating and generous with their time and kindness and patient with my questions and curiosity. They made the driving experience all the more fun. They even rewarded me with a certificate and a hat!

You can have this same amazing experience as I did with our friends at the AACA in 2023!  They have multiple cars and classes available throughout the year and if you’re an AACA member, it’s just $140 and WELL WORTH IT!  Dates are below or you can visit them online for details about not only the class but the museum itself.  

June 21, July 12, 22, August 5, 19, September 9, 17, October 14, 28
Model T Driving Experience - AACA Museum

The classic and collector car hobby is strong across the country, with each state and region having their own popular tastes. As Florida goes, it’s one of, if not the hot spot for all things autos. For two days, November 11-12, Carlisle Auctions and its brand of entertainment came together with enthusiasts within the Sunshine State for the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction.

This auction only event (no car show or swap meet) took place at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus and offered buyers, sellers, and even spectators the chance to mix and mingle not only amongst themselves, but with some of the coolest cars, trucks, and more that the region had to offer.

While the event faced its challenges, taking place just after Hurricane Nicole traversed a large portion of the state, it still hosted approximately 400 lots spanning automotive productive history. From the earliest consignment, a 1930 Ford Model A Custom, to more modern muscle, there was a little something for everyone in Lakeland. Options included classic, show-worthy daily drivers, practical trucks and SUVs for recreational usage, and even some white-glove, best of show gems. All told, the gallery was diverse and the participants, both in person and online were spirited.

Of the millions of dollars in sales, the Top 4 totaled $324,640. Each of those four lots sold on Saturday and were led by a 1962 Corvette ($93,960). In fact, Chevrolet as a whole dominated the Top 4, with a 1956 Bel Air ($82,080), 1960 Corvette ($75,600), and a 1969 Camaro ($73,000) rounding out the group of four.

“Thank you to all of our bidders and consignors that were a part of our Lakeland Fall Auction, especially those who participated despite the elements,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations. “As this event concludes, so does our 2022 auction schedule. It was quite a successful year for us, both in Lakeland and in Carlisle,” continued Cline. “We can’t wait to return to Lakeland in February to jump-start our 2023 season and we hope you’ll join us!”

As Tony mentioned, Carlisle Auctions does return to Lakeland and the amazing SUN ‘n FUN facility in February. The Winter Lakeland Collector Car Auction takes place February 10-11 and starts at 10:30 a.m. each day. This is once again an auction only event. Truck lovers will want to be sure to circle February 10 on their calendar, as the all-truck hour returns at approximately 1:30 p.m. Carlisle Auctions is actively accepting consignments for the auction as well registering bidders. Call 717-960-6400 today to learn more or visit CarlisleAuctions.com to view results, check out still for sale lots, make plans for not only the February Florida offering, but for the rest of the 2023 auction schedule too.